Ala. Code §§ 6-5-155 to 6-5-156.5 § 6-5-155.1
Definitions.
Operative Text
The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION. Any group, whether incorporated or unincorporated, affiliated with or organized for the benefit of one or more communities or neighborhoods containing an alleged drug-related nuisance, or any group organized to improve the quality of life in a residential area containing the alleged drug-related nuisance. (2) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACTS. The provisions of Sections 20-2-1 et seq., known as the “Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance Act,” and Sections 13A-12-201 et seq., known as “The Drug Predator Control Act of 1987,” and Sections 13A-12-210 et seq., known as “The Drug Crimes Amendments Act of 1987.” (3) DRUG-RELATED NUISANCE. a. Any property, in whole or in part, used or intended to be used to facilitate any violation of the controlled substance acts or any similar ordinance of any municipality in this state or a similar act of the United States or any other state. b. The use, sale, distribution, possession, storage, transportation, or manufacture of any controlled substances in violation of the controlled substance acts, or similar act of the United States or any other state. c. Drug-related nuisance includes, but is not limited to, conduct unlawful in itself or unreasonable under the circumstances, knowingly or recklessly creating or maintaining a condition which endangers the safety or health of persons not occupying the property alleged to be a drug-related nuisance, and knowingly or recklessly conducting or maintaining any premises or place where persons gather for purposes of engaging in drug-related activities. For purposes of this definition, “knowingly” means either actual awareness or should have reasonably known. (4) MANUFACTURING. The production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance, either directly or indirectly, by extraction from substances of natural origin or independent means of chemical synthesis, including any packaging or repackaging of the drug or labeling or relabeling of its container. (5) OWNER. An individual, corporation, partnership, trust association, joint venture, or any other business entity, and the respective agents of the individuals or entities, in whom is vested all or any part of the title to the property alleged to be a drug-related nuisance. (6) PROPERTY. Tangible real property, or an interest in real property, including an interest in any leasehold, license, or real estate, including any house, apartment building, condominium, cooperative, office building, store, restaurant, tavern, nightclub, or warehouse, and the land extending to the boundaries of the lot upon which the structure is situated, and anything growing on, affixed to, or found on the land. (7) PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. The Attorney General, district attorney, or county, municipal, or private attorney bringing a drug-related nuisance action. (8) TENANT. A person who resides in or occupies property belonging to another person pursuant to a lease agreement, or pursuant to a tenancy under the common law.
Section 6-5-155.1 of the Alabama Code establishes the definitions that govern the state's drug-related nuisance law. Key terms such as "drug-related nuisance," "owner," "tenant," "property," and "prosecuting attorney" are given specific legal meanings that apply throughout this division. Notably, a property can qualify as a drug-related nuisance based on its use, the activities occurring on it, or an owner's knowing or reckless failure to prevent drug-related conditions — with "knowingly" defined to include what a person reasonably should have known.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6-5-155.1, the definition of "owner" is broad, encompassing individuals, corporations, partnerships, and their agents who hold any part of title to a property. Compliant property operators generally stay informed about activities occurring on their premises, since the statute's definition of "knowingly" includes what an owner reasonably should have known — not just actual awareness. Operators familiar with this definitional framework are better positioned to understand their exposure under the broader drug-related nuisance provisions of this division.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 6-5-155.1 defines "tenant" as any person residing in or occupying another's property under a lease or common-law tenancy, which determines who falls within the scope of this division's protections and obligations. Tenants should be aware that a "drug-related nuisance" can be declared based on activities occurring on the property, which may affect their housing situation even if they are not personally involved in those activities. Tenants who believe they are being improperly affected by proceedings under this division may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation
Related Rules
Source Information
Use this in your app
Access this data programmatically via our API